A book review and a new take on chocolate chip cookies

If you are looking for my Barefoot Bloggers post today, sorry! I didn't want to spend the money on the ingredients for the smoked salmon spread this week. But I am sure you will see plenty of it around today. Thanks to Ashley from The Spicy Skillet for picking the recipe. I am sure that I will get around to making it someday!

I just finished "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver and if you consider yourself someone who loves food, this is the book for you. The basic premise of the book is the fact that for one year, her family decided to eat locally. If they couldn't make it themselves or buy it in their community, they went without. In addition to reading about their journey, there is also a lot of interesting information about the food production industry. This book makes you take a good look at the foods you are eating and where they are coming from. It makes you realize we are part of a generation that doesn't know when certain fruits and vegetables are "in season" because they are always in season in our grocery stores. It makes you think the fact that learning where your meat is coming from is a really good idea and not all meat is the same.

I wish I could change how I do things more. But I do find myself stopping at farmers stands on the side of the road for my produce more than usual. I think about what I am eating more. And I think that just being more aware and making small changes is just what we all need to do. Knowing where your food is coming from and what it took to get the food from the ground to your table is important knowledge. Food just doesn't come from a restaurant or a grocery store. Farmers markets are a great source of fresh, local foods that are growing in popularity. CSA's are also gaining popularity (if only they had any in my area!).

In addition to learning about their journey to "eat local", many recipes are included in the book. I thought this was the perfect recipe to try to utilize some of the seasonal zucchini. I made these at my sisters house and since baking isn't her strong suit, I hope she learned something. I used two cups of white flour instead of 1 of white and 1 of whole wheat. Other than that, I made them as written. They are really good! You can't taste the zucchini and they are really chewy and delicious. Get this book and try this recipe today. You won't regret it!

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies

From "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle"

Makes 2 dozen cookies

1 egg, beaten
1/2 c butter, softened
1/2 c brown sugar
1/3 c honey
1 T vanilla extract

Combine in large bowl.

1 c white flour
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/4 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg

Combine in a separate, small bowl and blend into liquid mixture.

1 c finely shredded zucchini
12 oz chocolate chips

Stir these ingredients into other ingredients, mix well. Drop by spoonful onto greased baking sheet, and flatten with the back of a spoon. Bake at 350 degrees, 10 to 15 minutes.